Dear Bee-L:

In response to several beekeepers' calls regarding NOD's e-mail to Bee-L.
I asked Heather Clay, Canadian Honey Council, National Coordinator to
verify the published information. I included her reply at the end of this
message.

"NOD indicated in the post at Bee-L that Canadian beekeepers would lose
formic acid applied with various methods in two years."

The CHC did not vote in their resolution to have all none-registered
formic acid application off the market in two years as indicated in NOD's
post. The CHC voted to ask the PMRA to maintain the existing C94-05 to
permit using formic acid in bee hives for a further 2 years.  As I
understand and being with the rest of provincial apiculturists,
representatives of the CHC on a conference call with representatives of
PMRA, most of the provincial apiculturists requested from the PMRA to
maintain the C94-05. This would allow beekeepers to use formic acid in
forms that are effective and safe as at meet their own environment.
Limiting the use to one method of application with a single recommendation
will not fit a country of a size like Canada.

In recent reports, several beekeepers have experienced brood loss when
applied MiteAway II in the spring as reported by some beekeepers in New
Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Quebec. Beekeepers in the Prairie provinces
have short spring and fall with quick changes of temperature. For example,
we have 2 feet of snow on the ground since October 15 after having the
first snow storm in the middle of September. Beekeepers got caught with
bad weather as they were feeding and treating. This change of temperature
does not allow them to rely on Mite Away or any other type of single
application of formic acid. In limited areas, some beekeepers are using
it, but so far the multiple application is the preferred method of
application. The short season and intensive management would allow
beekeepers to visit their hives in the spring or fall once every week.
Thus, beekeepers would be able to apply formic acid on regular bases.

With the same frame work in mind, the CHC is heading the way to register
oxalic acid with PMRA. It is always a good policy to give several options
to beekeepers to choose from. This will allow beekeepers to adopt the
method that fits their management system and their environment.

medhat
Medhat Nasr, Ph. D.
Provincial Apiculturist
Crop Diversification Centre North

Heather Caly response:

Hi John and Medhat
The CHC voted to ask PMRA to maintain the existing arrangement for formic
acid for another two years. The intention was to allow beekeepers access
to the various applications of the product during that time. The wording
is below.

#15 Carried
Whereas the treatments using formic acid fit within Integrated Pest
Management
and will be used on an immediate and long term basis.
Be it resolved that the Canadian Honey Council asks the PMRA to maintain
the
existing C94-05 to permit using Formic Acid in beehives for a further 2
years"

http://www.honeycouncil.ca/users/folder.asp?FolderID=2725

Best wishes

Heather

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